Tag Archives: Contractor

Remodelling or renovating your home can be a life-altering experience. Depending on the contractor you decide to use, this experience can be either a positive one or a negative one. Although there are many factors that will determine the final outcome of your remodelling project, finding the right contractor is probably the most important decision you will make. At Shaughnessy Real Estate, we believe that finding the right contractor is an absolute must and offer these tips to help you make the right decision.

Ask Around for Referrals

A great place to start is to ask friends, family or co-workers if they have any recommendations. Depending upon the renovation you are looking to complete, you may want to consider asking your local hardware store for recommendations as well.

Before starting any project, make sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish. This will make both yours and the contractor’s job easier. Once you feel you know what you want, we recommend interviewing at least three contractors to get different quotes and to compare the different bids.

Check Out Their History

Before settling on a contractor, make sure to check their licence, references, complaints and litigation history. You want as clean a slate as possible. Be as thorough as you can with background checks because picking the right person for the job is extremely important. Once you feel you have found a contractor best suited for your home renovation, be prepared to wait. Good contractors may be booked for quite some time.

Thoroughly Discuss Expectations

Before starting any renovations, be sure to discuss the contract at length. Find out what work the contractor will be doing and which jobs will be sub-contracted out, and to whom. Make sure this contract includes payments, materials that will be used and deadlines. A detailed contract can be extremely important if you encounter any problems during or after your renovations. It protects both you and the contractor, so it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

It is also recommended that you do not sign a remodelling contract for your entire renovation budget. Unfortunately, things may come up during the project that were unforeseeable when the job was started. Additionally, do not make the final payment until all of the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Renovating your home can be a scary prospect and a bit of a leap of faith. Will your renovations turn out right? Will you be happy with the end result? These are valid questions when undertaking any type of renovation. However, by finding a contractor you are comfortable with, these unsure feelings should be replaced with feelings of confidence, leading to a positive remodelling experience.

If you are getting ready to sell your home in the Vancouver area, home renovations and quick fixes are likely on your mind. Shaughnessy Real Estate is here to advise you on all of your buying and selling concerns. Give us a call today!